4-06 Box, 14:43 - Ridge VFD was dispatched to the Point Lookout Marina in Ridge for the reported boat explosion/fire at the marina. Due to its location and surroundings, Chief 4A advised dispatch to upgrade the assignment to a working Commercial Structure Fire. Engine 41 with Captain 4 arrived at 14:51 and reported a single boat fully involved, secured at the dock, with exposed boats on both sides. Engine 41’s crew began fire attack from the dock. Fire Boat 4 arrived on scene and used their deck gun to attack from the water. Chief 4 arrived and established command. Captain 4 spoke with the boat’s owner and confirmed no souls on board and no injuries. Fire containment was successful, keeping the fire damage to the single boat. Crews from Engine 41, Fire Boat 4, Engine/Tanker 44, Tanker 4, and Engine 141 had the fire knocked in less than 10 minutes. The boat was towed from the dock to a travel lift to dewater. Engine 141’s crew discovered a rekindle and continued suppression efforts. Chief 4 held all Company 4 units, Engine 141, Boat 6, and the Fire Marshall; mutual aid units were staged and then placed in service. Units went in service at 16:40, but Chief 4 remained on the scene to wait for Red Cross.

We’d like to thank Leonardtown VFD Engine 11 for filling in at our station while our members worked this incident.

Some photos courtesy of Jon Douglass and Southern Maryland NewsNet.